-The Bengals returned to practice today after Sunday’s win versus the Broncos amidst talk that they are contemplating releasing big free agent WR Antonio Bryant with an injury settlement.  The Gab reported the news earlier today, and we’re supposed to get additional details from ESPN and NFL Network tonight.

If true, it could mean that the team’s medical staff made a huge error in judgement; one to the tune of almost 10 million bills.  It also means that they must not think his injury will improve with a year on injured reserve.  Assuming that’s the case, I’m sure they’re trying to make room on the roster to ensure they have a spot for another of their promising young receivers, like Quan Cosby, Jerome Simpson, or Dez Briscoe.

-The NFL announced that LB Rey Maualuga will *not* be suspended any games for this DUI arrest in January.  The former USC Trojan and member of the Bengals’ Samoan long-hair club got off with just a fine of two game checks.

-Andre “Jabba” Smith, who came to camp a hippo-like 370+ is doing well in his conditioning and was allowed to practice today. This must mean that he’s lost enough weight to give the team confidence that he can play soon.  It also means he’s off the PUP list and will count against the roster.  Bad news for some of the younger offensive linemen trying to make the team, but good news for Smith, who drew the ire of Coach Lewis for showing up grossly out of shape.  Here’s hoping “Manboobs” can make a real contribution this year and return a little on the investment.  Number 9  and Ced would appreciate it.

-Hobson also points outthat Kyle Cook should be back to practice Wednesday after twisting an ankle in Sunday’s game (whew!), and the Dan Skuta as a fullback experiment is on-hold for now as he continues to recover from his ankle injury.  However, indications are he’ll be okay for Friday’s tilt with the Kolb-era Eagles.

With the seven Hall of Fame candidates already inducted it was time for the traditional Hall of Fame game. The Cowboys had the privilege to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. With some familiar faces on the opposite sideline the Cowboys wanted to get a quick look at their starters and a good long look at some of the depth that they have. In the end the score favored the Cowboys, not that it really matters. While head coach Wade Phillips will be happy with the win, it is the opportunity to watch the young guys that the Cowboys coaching staff was after.

The game started well with CFL standout Titus Ryan returning the opening kickoff 38 yards. The Cowboys 1st team offence then drove down the field for what would end up being a field goal. Romo and crew picked up right where they left off last season, having no problem getting to the redzone, and then just like last year, stalling out. Felix Jones had a fumble that was erased thanks to an offside penalty on the Bengals. The Cowboys then ran three straight pass plays from the 5-yard line which yielded nothing. Left-Tackle Doug Free had a great drive mauling pass rush specialist Antwan Odom. Romo looked sharp when he had time. The biggest surprise of the first quarter had to be the play of backup TE John Phillips. Phillips had two great catches that led to first down. He also did what he does best and that is block. He had a couple of great blocks spring Tashard Choice for a couple of decent runs.

While the first team only played one series on both sides of the ball, the defence dominated the bengals allowing only one first down one a 12-yard completion to former Cowboy Terrell Owens.

Once the second team entered the game, the execution for both teams dropped off. The Cowboys defense was very tough for the entire second half. DE Stephen Bowen stood out for the Cowboys getting pressure consistently on both Bengal quarterbacks. OLB Victor Butler also showed his great speed racing down a Bengal running-back after coming all the way across the line.

Tashard Choice looked really good running the ball for the Cowboys breaking off a couple of really good runs. Third-string quarterback Stephen McGee took over after Jon Kitna was largely ineffective through 4 series. McGee showed flashes of potential but also his inexperience.

The first half ended with K David Buehler being the difference with two field-goals, and the Cowboys defence shutting out the Bengals.

The third quarter started off with some promise after the Cowboys held the Bengals to a three and out to begin the half, Stephen McGee took the team on a decent drive that ended with a missed 49-yard field-goal from Buehler. The Cowboys caught a break when LB Brandon Williams, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, picked off Bengals quarterback Jordan Palmer and returned the ball to the Bengals 9 yard-line. McGee perpetuated the Cowboys struggles by not capitalizing in the redzone. Buehler came in and finished the drive with a 23-yard field-goal.

The game got a little sloppy with some penalties and with the young players eager to make an impression losing their discipline. The game slowed down even more and seemed to crawl until free agent rookie LB Brandon Sharpe picked off Jordan Palmer and ran the ball 11 yards into the endzone for the game’s only touchdown.

The Bengals scored a late touchdown, but for the most part the game was over. It was not the prettiest of games but the Cowboys staff should get a good read on some of the unknown players on the roster.

Players Who Stood Out To Me:

John Phillips – The 3rd string TE had a great game both catching and blocking. He did leave with a minor knee injury and will be re-examined on Monday.

Tashard Choice – The 3rd part of the Cowboys “three headed monster” at running-back had a solid game and a couple of really impressive runs with the ball.

Stephen Bowen – Marcus Spears’ backup had a great game putting a lot of pressure on the Bengals first and second team players.

Linebacking Core – The entire Cowboys linebacking core had a great game. From the starters all through the backups, they all played very well.

Players Who Failed To Impress:

Alex Barron – Trying to compete for the starting LT spot, Barron was schooled by the Bengals backup DE Fanene.

2nd & 3rd Sting Offensive Line – This whole unit seemed to struggle against the Bengals backups.

Jamar Wall – While it sounds like he is having a decent camp, the rookie CB got picked on quite a bit during the game and did not step up once.C

When: Sunday, August 8, 2010, 8:00 PM

Where: Fawcett Stadium, Canton, OH.

TV: NBC in HD

The months of agony and baseball-only television are finally over.  Tomorrow night we get our first glimpses of that blessed entertainment known as NFL football. Under normal circumstances, the annual Hall of Fame Game kicks off the league’s pre-season and gives fans throughout the country (including myself) some football to watch. Finally.

This year, as a devout member of Bengaldom, there’s even more reason to salivate in advance of the game as our team participates for the first time since 1988. That game, a 14-7 victory over the then-Los Angeles Rams, was the first win in what became an AFC Championship season and berth in Super Bowl XXIII.

As this year’s game approaches, the Bengals find themselves loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, carrying with them championship aspirations and high expectations.  They’ll face a Cowboys team similarly optimistic about their prospects in 2010.

But don’t anticipate a street brawl or slugfest as the preseason in general, and the first preseason game in particular, are for player evaluation.  Schemes are watered-down, strategic game-plans aren’t employed with any sophistication, and starters barely see the field.

That’s not to say that there won’t be a myriad of reasons to watch.  Here are just a few things to look for during Sunday night’s telecast:

• Carson Palmer’s Accuracy: The starters might only play a series or two, but in that time we’ll want to see how well the franchise works with his new receivers, and if he can give us any assurances that his accuracy problems from late last year and surgically repaired elbow are truly a thing of the past.
• Batman & Robin Premiere: Even if its for only a handful of snaps, it will be good to see the Ochocinco and Ochouno combination on the field together. It will be particularly interesting to see how they might get the ball to T.O. and how well he works with number 9. 
• Offensive Line Play: The Bengals surprised the NFL with the consistency and strength they got from their makeshift offensive line in 2009.  Despite first-round pick Andre Smith’s struggles, unheralded players like Kyle Cook, Nate Livings, Evan Mathis, and Dennis Roland made huge contributions to the team’s success in running the ball.  Offensive Coordinator Bob Bratkowski’s recent comments that the line must improve are a bit discomforting, so it will be important to see how well the line does against Dallas’ powerful 3-4.  The Cowboys play a similar defense to those found in the AFC North, so it will be important for the team to see how well the line (first string and back-ups) holds up against them.
• Rookie Receivers: It’s anticipated that the team may rely heavily on rookie first round TE Jermaine Gresham and 3^rd-round slot receiver Jordan Shipley in 2010.  Seeing them get their first action against NFL defenders will be interesting.
• Michael Johnson:  Linebacker. It will be of particular interest to see how second-year defender Michael Johnson, a DE in college, has adjusted to playing outside linebacker in Mike Zimmer’s defense.  The team likes Johnson’s size, speed and smarts, and are making the transition to give them greater flexibility and more pass rush.
• Adam Jones:  The man formerly known as “Pacman” will get his first game action in over two years as both a cornerback and punt returner. Will he display the skills that made him a 2005 top-10 draft pick? Will he be able to unseat WR Quan Cosby as the team’s primary punt returner?
• Long-snapper: Former UC Bearcat Mike Windt is looking to unseed Clark Harris, the man who rescued the Bengals from Brad St. Louis last year.  Crisp, quick, accurate snaps will win the job.
• Kicker: With Mike Nugent out with an injury, Dave Rayner has a chance to solidify the upper hand he currently enjoys in the place-kicker competition.
• Cowboy re-unions: The Bengals have several former Cowboys on their roster, including Terrell Owens, Adam Jones, Roy Williams, and Tank Johnson.
• Matt Jones versus Jerome Simpson: The underachieving former Jacksonville first-round pick and the underachieving former Bengal second rounder are in a put-up or shut-up fight for a roster spot as a vertical threat.  Jones has experience and size, but Simpson is younger, has greater athleticism, and may finally be turning the corner after 2 season of underwhelming coaches. They are fighting for their football lives with Antonio Bryant, Jordan Shipley, and Andre Caldwell ahead of them as back-ups to T.O. and Chad.
• Jordan Palmer vs. J.T. O’Sullivan: The team likes O’Sullivan’s experience, but the younger Palmer has been impressive as of late, and O’Sullivan hasn’t done himself any favors with his play–particularly in week 17 last year against the Jets.  With Carson Palmer’s injury history, a capable and effective back-up is vital.

These are just a few of the Bengal sub-plots to look for as the game approaches.  I anticipate that the starters will play about 2 series.  Starters that look to sit out the game with ailments include LB Rey Maualuga, CB Johnathan Joseph, FB Fui Vakapuna, and Bryant. Back-ups OT Andre Smith, DE Carlos Dunlap, and RB Cedric Peerman look to be rested as well.

Bengals.com was unsure of whether starting RE Antwan Odom and nickel back Morgan Trent’s availability as they recoup from minor dings.

Just remember, we have three primary objectives Sunday Night:

1. Don’t lose anyone to injuries—particularly starters
2. Get some evaluation tape—particularly back-ups.
3. See Number 1.

Winning the game is secondary.

Perhaps, as we all hope, this game will be the start of something great.  Perhaps we’ll see this same Cowboy team in February.  It’s great to dream big.

For now, it’s great to just see football.

All four teams in the AFC North attempted to upgrade their receiving core this off-season.  This past week the Cincinnati Bengals signed receiver Terrell Owens, which some analysts say gives the Bengals’ offense an edge in the division. This brings up a good question: Who has the best receiving core in the AFC North? Here’s a look at each team’s receivers, including tight ends.

Who has the better receiving core in the AFC North? Let us know what you think!

RAVENS:

Anquan Boldin

Donte Stallworth

Derrick Mason

Mark Clayton

David Reed (rookie)

Todd Heap, TE

The team added Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth along with resigning Derrick Mason in the off season. In addition, the team drafted rookie receiver David Reed and two tight ends in the draft. If reports are accurate, rookie tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta will be factors in the offense.  Dickson has been practicing with the first team offense.  Todd Heap is finally healthy which is huge for the offense.

The Big Question:Much may fall on Donte Stallworth, can the speedy receiver give the offense the much needed vertical threat?

Overall: The team improved from last year with acquiring Boldin and has some serious depth at both wide receiver and tight end position.

BENGALS:

Chad Ochocinco

Antonio Bryant

Terrell Owens

Matt Jones

Andre Caldwell

Jordan Shipley (rookie)

Jermaine Gresham, TE (rookie)

There were questions going into the offseason about the receiving core for the Bengals. The team got busy and added Antonio Bryant and recently signed Terrell Owens.  They also drafted WR Jordan Shipley and tight end Jermaine Gresham, arguably the top prospect at his position.

The Big Question: Can Antonio Bryant fill the void left by T.J. Houshmandzadeh?  How does the T.O. experiment work?

Overall: This is solid group and will pose match up problems for opponents. They’ve added some outstanding excellent talent in free agency and the draft.  Jermaine Gresham gives QB Carson Palmer a weapon at the tight end position–something they didn’t have last year.

STEELERS:

Hines Ward

Arnaz Battle

Antwaan Randle El

Mike Wallace

Antonio Brown (rookie)

Emmanuel Sanders (rookie)

Heath Miller, TE

The big news was trading away their number one playmaker Santonio Holmes to the Jets.  The team added Arnez Battle and Antwaan Randle El along with rookie Antonio Brown and Emmanual Sanders.  Second year player WR Mike Wallace may be emerging as the teams biggest threat.

The Big Question: Who fills the void left by Santonio Holmes?

Overall: WR Hines Ward and TE Heath Miller still gives this unit has capable playmakers.

BROWNS:

Joshua Cribbs, WR/KR

Bobby Engram, WR

Mohammed Massaquoi, WR

Brian Robiskie, WR

Carlton Mitchell, WR (rookie)

Joel Gamble, TE

The Browns were active to some extent picking up veteran Bobby Engram and drafting WR Carlton Mitchell.  It seems they are counting on Joshua Cribbs and the younger receivers in Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie to step it up.

The Big Question: Will Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie provide enough production for the offense.

Overall: On paper this receiving core doesn’t strike too much fear into the hearts of their opponents.

Players in Bold = Veteran acquisitions

Well, fellow Bengal fans, there’s been quite a stir around the league since the Terrell Owens signing story broke. Reactions and opinions have not been in short supply.

While Chad Ochocinco has gushed openly about being Robin to T.O.’s Batman, the controversy and speculation revolves around the team’s other franchise receiver, Antonio Bryant.

Several NFL observers have surmised that the signing of Owens was a direct result of concern within the Bengals organization that Bryant’s knee is not fully recovered from a 2009 injury, and that he’s not ready to go. They’ve suggested that “A.B.” will end up on the PUP list, shelving him for the first 6 weeks of the season.

They’ve even gone so far as to say the team has considered cutting the former Buccaneer, and that team officials are suffering from “buyer’s remorse.”

The gossip mill has also churned out conjecture that Bryant isn’t happy with the snap count and role he’ll have now.  PFT suggested that the team would consider cutting him outright, and there was even anxiety about whether or not Bryant would surrender Owens’ signature #81 without a fight.

All this in less than 24 hours.

Speaking on NFL Network’s Total Access tonight, former Bucs DT Warren Sapp provided the first known reactions from Bryant on the T.O. signing. Sapp is a close friend of Bryant’s, leading off the telecast with the answers to these “burning questions.”

Sapp said that Bryant is *not* concerned about T.O. coming to the Queen City, that he will willingly give up the #81 jersey, and that his knee is ready for camp.

Through Sapp, Bryant reported that while the knee did flare up (as reported here) it is fine now and ready for the first practices of camp tomorrow. He conceded the team will be careful with him and hold him out of ½ of the two-a-days to be careful with the knee, but there was nothing further to be concerned about.

Regarding the number, Sapp stated that Bryant has had a different number throughout his career, so he has no qualms about changing it for his new teammate.

Hopefully this will settle the hearsay.

Assuming the reports from Sapp are accurate, the team should have a formidable offense to go with an already stellar defense.

Profootballtalk.com is reporting that mercurial wide receiver Terrell Owens has agreed to terms with the Bengals on a one-year, 2 million dollar deal.

Apparently PFT’s sources are also saying he can earn another 2 million in incentives, giving him a potential value of 4 million.  The incentives are based on receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

This news will no doubt make a highly-competitive WR derby even more so for youngsters like Jerome Simpson and Quan Cosby, as well as veteran Matt Jones.

At this point the team can go three wide receivers with Chad Ochocinco, Antonio Bryant, and Terrell Owens, with Cedric Benson in the backfield and Jermaine Gresham at tight end.

Time to kiss the baby.

Somewhere Carson Palmer is smiling.  And Chad Ochocinco is swooning.

Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com has a juicy morsel from today’s media luncheon with the Bengals brass.

Essentially, Owner Mike Brown has confirmed that the team remains interested in T.O., and they apparently have a offer on the table.

“We have interest. We are talking to him.” Brown was quoted as saying. “It’s up to him.”

While there’s been a lot of speculation this week about a potential deal, efforts have been made to squash the validity of the reports, with both the Owens and Bengal camps denying any deal had been done.  Nonetheless, with the health of WR Antonio Bryant’s knee being called into question, T.O.’s desire to play for a contender, and Chad’s uber enthusiasm for the idea, Brown appears to remain intrigued with the possibility of adding another playmaker to the offense.

Its a widely recognized fact that Mr. Brown loves offense, particularly the passing game, and he seems to sense the team can realistically dream big. “We have ambitions to have that one golden year,” Brown said, “but this year more than most in recent times I think we have a better shot at it.”

To speculate myself for a moment, the Bengals likely have an offer on the table, and have since at least the weekend, but the team is probably looking to capitalize on a buyer’s market for T.O.’s services.  The offer is certainly less than the 5 million a year he’s reportedly looking for, and is more likely in the 2 million range on a one-year deal.

Unless another team emerges, T.O. will probably be faced with these options as camp approaches:

1. Play for a contender in Cincinnati but get paid less and have to share the spotlight.  You’ll get a franchise QB throwing you the ball and a legit pro-bowler in Chad Ochocinco on the other side.
2. Play for an also-ran in St. Louis but get paid more and be the man. Your QB will be a rookie and the other WR will be Donnie Avery.

At almost 37 years old, option one might be the best fit for him.

Stay tuned.